How to Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze — also called a security freeze — is the most effective protection against identity theft. It's free, it doesn't affect your credit score, and it can be lifted in minutes when you need to apply for credit. Here's how to do it at all three bureaus.

Equifax

Online (fastest): Create an account at equifax.com, then go to "Freeze/Unfreeze Credit."

By phone: 1-800-685-1111

By mail: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Include: Your name, address, SSN, date of birth, a copy of a government-issued ID, and proof of current address.

Experian

Online: experian.com/freeze/center.html — create an Experian account

By phone: 1-888-397-3742

By mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion

Online: transunion.com/credit-freeze

By phone: 1-888-909-8872

By mail: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

PIN or Account Number

Online freezes create an account you use to manage the freeze. Keep your login credentials secure — you'll need them to lift the freeze. If you set up by phone or mail, you'll receive a PIN. Store it somewhere permanent (your password manager, a fireproof safe). Losing your PIN can make lifting the freeze more difficult.

How to Temporarily Lift (Thaw) a Freeze

When you need to apply for credit, log into your bureau account and lift the freeze. You can specify:

• A specific date range (e.g., 3 days while you're shopping for a mortgage)
• A specific creditor's name
• Lift permanently until you refreeze

Online freezes lift almost immediately. Freeze the report again as soon as your application is complete.

Specialty Credit Bureaus

Beyond the main three, consider freezing at specialty bureaus used for specific purposes:

• ChexSystems: Used by banks when opening checking accounts (chexsystems.com)
• Innovis: Used by some lenders (innovis.com)
• NCTUE: Used by utility companies (nctue.com)

See also: Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze | FCRA Consumer Rights